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CRITIK

The Order: 1886

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Order: 1886
Item: The Order: 1886
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2015

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Horror, Interactive Movie, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableFeb 20, 2015

PlatformPlayStation 4

DeveloperReady at Dawn, SCE Santa Monica

Overview

The Order: 1886 introduces players to a unique vision of Victorian-Era London where Man uses advanced technology to battle a powerful and ancient foe. As a member of an elite order of knights, join a centuries-old war that will determine the course of history forever.

Elsewhere

7.3

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

41%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of The Order: 1886 are quite diverse. Some critics, such as COGconnected and Cheat Code Central, praise the story for being engaging, with believable performances and rivaling Hollywood cinematic attempts. Digital Spy also commends the narrative for being told with confidence and skill, featuring memorable characters and a detailed world. Game Informer highlights the world building and gradual exposition of the story, describing it as a fascinating origin story with unresolved character arcs and unanswered questions. God is a Geek adds that the alternate history and steampunk elements add depth to the world, while PlayStation Universe appreciates the visually interesting story with creative lore. On the other hand, several critics express disappointment with the story of The Order: 1886. Arcade Sushi, DarkStation, and Polygon all mention pacing issues and an abrupt ending that left them wanting more. Destructoid finds the story interesting but fairly predictable, with characters that don't leave a lasting impression. Gamestyle describes the game as a visual novel or interactive movie with a disjointed experience due to shoehorned action sequences, and The Escapist feels that the setting and world building are not as interesting as expected. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the engaging and well-crafted narrative, others find it lacking in substance, emotional weight, or complexity. The story receives praise for its world building, gradual exposition, and creative lore, but is criticized for pacing issues, predictability, and an unsatisfying ending. It is worth noting that opinions vary greatly, with some critics enjoying the story while others find it disappointing.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of The Order: 1886. Some praise its engaging narrative, believable performances, and world-building, while others criticize its pacing issues, predictability, and unsatisfying ending. Overall, the story is commended for its creativity but faulted for lacking emotional depth and complexity.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of The Order: 1886 are quite varied. Some critics, such as COGconnected and GameTrailers, found enjoyment in the gameplay, highlighting the combination of cover shooting, quick time events, climbing, and stealth mechanics as working well. They also praised the use of Blackwater, which adds a bullet-time inspired element to the gameplay. Game Informer also mentioned the presence of quick time events, a lock-picking minigame, and the need to push boxes into place, which added variety to the gameplay. Additionally, God is a Geek praised the meaty and impactful gunplay, with enough variety in weapons to keep the action fresh. TheSixthAxis also found the gunplay to be a lot of fun and notably enjoyable. However, there were several criticisms regarding the gameplay of The Order: 1886. Many critics, such as Arcade Sushi, Attack of the Fanboy, and DarkStation, found the gameplay to be lacking innovation and feeling average. They mentioned clunky stealth mechanics, quick time events littered throughout the game, and limited access to cool weapons. Cheat Code Central criticized the lack of replayability and the absence of anything to do after completing the game. Digital Spy and Polygon found the gunplay to be solid but uninspiring and repetitive, especially if you've played other third-person shooters in the last 10 years. Slant Magazine described the gameplay as a cumbersome version of Uncharted with uninspired shooting mechanics and awkwardly placed quick-time events. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of The Order: 1886 is a mixed bag. While some critics found enjoyment in elements such as the gunplay, cover mechanics, and use of Blackwater, others criticized the lack of innovation, repetitive gameplay, and clunky mechanics. The gameplay is often compared to other titles in the genre, such as Gears of War, with several critics mentioning similarities in mechanics and lack of originality. The presence of quick time events is also a common point of criticism. Despite some positive aspects, the overall sentiment leans towards mediocrity and a lack of excitement in the gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on The Order: 1886's gameplay. Some praise its gunplay, cover mechanics, and use of Blackwater, while others criticize its lack of innovation, repetitive gameplay, and clunky mechanics. Quick time events are a common point of contention. Overall, the game's gameplay falls short of expectations, with comparisons to other titles in the genre like Gears of War highlighting its lack of originality and excitement.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of multiple videogame reviewers regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of The Order: 1886 are overwhelmingly positive. The majority of critics praised the game's graphics and visual design, considering them to be a masterpiece and setting a new benchmark for console gaming. Critics such as Arcade Sushi, Attack of the Fanboy, CGMagazine, COGconnected, DarkStation, Destructoid, Digital Spy, Game Informer, Game Over Online, GameTrailers, Gamestyle, Gaming Age, God is a Geek, IGN, IGN Italia, IGN Spain, NZGamer, New York Daily News, PlayStation Universe, Polygon, Post Arcade, Slant Magazine, The Digital Fix, The Escapist, TheSixthAxis, Toronto Sun, Washington Post, and ZTGD all praised the game's stunning visuals, lifelike character models, detailed environments, and impressive lighting and textures. The game's Victorian London setting was also highly praised for its authenticity and attention to detail. Despite the overwhelmingly positive opinions, there were a few criticisms mentioned by some critics. IGN mentioned that the constant presence of black bars on the screen could be frustrating, while games(TM) felt that the art design could have better framed the game's world. However, these criticisms were minor compared to the overall positive reception of the game's graphics and visual design. In summary, the majority of critics considered the Graphics and Visual Design of The Order: 1886 to be a masterpiece. The game was praised for its lifelike characters, detailed environments, impressive lighting and textures, and authentic Victorian London setting. The transitions between cutscenes and gameplay were seamless, adding to the cinematic experience. While there were a few minor criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with many considering The Order: 1886 to have the best graphics of its generation and setting a new benchmark for console gaming.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about The Order: 1886's graphics and visual design, calling them a masterpiece and a new console gaming benchmark. Praise for lifelike characters, detailed environments, and authentic Victorian London setting. Some minor criticisms noted, but overall, overwhelmingly positive reception with many hailing it as the best graphics of its generation.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of The Order: 1886, considering it to be a strong aspect of the game. They highlighted various positive elements, such as the strong voice acting and top-notch score that accompanied the visually appealing graphics. Critics like Arcade Sushi and Game Over Online specifically commended the voice cast for delivering stellar performances, while GameTrailers mentioned the effective implementation of a melancholy, string-driven score that anchored the mood of the game. COGconnected also emphasized the haunting and frenetic soundtrack, which contributed to the steampunk atmosphere and was deemed exceptional. The attention to detail in the sound design was also highly regarded, with TheSixthAxis praising the impressive voice performances and atmospheric music. However, there were a few critics who had some reservations or minor criticisms regarding the sound design and music. CGMagazine mentioned that the audio felt more workman-like and did not fully utilize the surround soundscape to its potential. Game Informer noted that while the old photos and scratchy phonograph recordings added authenticity, they rarely provided meaningful context to the story. Gamestyle also mentioned that while the voice acting was impressive, it did not reach the same level as a game like The Last of Us. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of The Order: 1886 were very good. The positive aspects mentioned by multiple critics, such as the strong voice acting, impressive atmospheric music, and immersive sound design, outweighed the minor criticisms. The critics' opinions indicate that the sound design and music successfully contributed to the overall experience of the game, helping to immerse the players in the Victorian steampunk world of The Order: 1886.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics mostly loved The Order: 1886's sound design and music, praising the strong voice acting and top-notch score that enhanced the game's visuals. Some highlighted the stellar voice cast and melancholy score, while others noted the haunting soundtrack and attention to detail. A few critics had reservations, citing underutilized surround sound and lack of meaningful context in audio elements. Overall, critics agree that the sound design and music greatly enhanced the game's Victorian steampunk world, despite some minor criticisms.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in The Order: 1886 are generally positive. Critics such as COGconnected, Game Informer, Game Over Online, Gaming Age, God is a Geek, NZGamer, PlayStation Universe, TheSixthAxis, and ZTGD all praise the voice acting in the game. They describe it as impressive, outstanding, high quality, top-notch, fantastic, and superb. These critics highlight the believable performances, well-performed characters, and the ability of the voice acting to bring the story to life. They also mention the strong connection between the voice acting and the remarkable character animation work, which enhances the overall experience. The voice acting is said to accompany the visually appealing graphics, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for players. Arcade Sushi specifically mentions the strong voice acting that complements the game's pretty graphics. However, not all critics share the same sentiment. Cheat Code Central, New York Daily News, The Escapist, and Toronto Sun express some negative opinions about the voice acting. Cheat Code Central describes it as generic, while New York Daily News finds it gruff and ultimately boring. The Escapist notes occasional anachronistic words and phrases in the voice acting, which may disrupt the immersion for some players. Toronto Sun mentions that some characters emote in a way that feels exaggerated and reminiscent of a stage adaptation of a Dickens play. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side. The majority of critics appreciate the voice acting in The Order: 1886, citing impressive performances, well-delivered dialogue, and a strong connection to the game's visuals and storytelling. The positive reviews from COGconnected, Game Informer, Game Over Online, Gaming Age, God is a Geek, NZGamer, PlayStation Universe, TheSixthAxis, and ZTGD contribute to the overall positive sentiment surrounding the voice acting. While there are a few critics who express some negative aspects, the overall consensus is that the voice acting in The Order: 1886 is a strong aspect of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics mostly love the voice acting in The Order: 1886, praising it as impressive, outstanding, and bringing the story to life. While some critics find it generic or gruff, the majority agree that the performances enhance the game's visuals and storytelling. Overall, the voice acting receives high praise for its quality and immersive experience, with a few dissenting opinions.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS4, the majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive opinions about The Order: 1886. Arcade Sushi commends the game for running smoothly and effortlessly without many bugs. CGMagazine praises its technical performance, highlighting rarely stuttering framerates, astonishing anti-aliasing, and impressive lighting effects. COGconnected states that the game runs fluidly with only rare occurrences of clunky cover mechanics, overall performing well. DarkStation encountered no technical issues, and Gaming Age mentions a smooth, consistent framerate with no jagged edges. IGN Italia and NZGamer both note the absence of noticeable technical issues or stability problems. New York Daily News describes the game as overwhelmingly polished visually, with only one minor glitch. The Digital Fix emphasizes the game's timely release without any late delays. TheSixthAxis praises the game's stunning visuals and audio, showcasing the power of the PS4. Regarding negatives, no critics mentioned any significant technical issues or performance problems on the PS4. This suggests that the game's technical performance was generally solid and did not hinder the overall experience for players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that The Order: 1886 excelled in terms of technical performance on the PS4. The game ran smoothly, showcased impressive visuals, and had minimal technical issues. The positive feedback from multiple critics, such as Arcade Sushi, CGMagazine, and TheSixthAxis, further supports this conclusion. The absence of negative comments regarding technical performance reinforces the notion that the game performed well on the PS4 platform.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics unanimously praise The Order: 1886 for its exceptional technical performance on the PS4, citing smooth gameplay, impressive visuals, and minimal bugs. No significant technical issues were reported, highlighting a solid gaming experience. Overall, critics laud the game's flawless execution on the PS4, making it a standout title for its technical prowess.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

71%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of The Order: 1886 are largely negative. Several critics, such as Arcade Sushi and Cheat Code Central, mention that the game lacks replayability and offers nothing to do after completing it. They highlight the uninteresting story and average gameplay as reasons for the game's lack of replay value. Other critics, like DarkStation and Destructoid, also express the sentiment that there is no reason to replay the game after completion. On the positive side, COGconnected mentions that despite the game's shorter length, the experience is engaging and worth having. They argue that the game's duration is irrelevant when considering its replay value. Digital Spy also notes that the game does have some replayability in the form of collectibles. However, the overall consensus among the critics is that The Order: 1886 has limited replay value. Many critics, including Attack of the Fanboy and GameTrailers, highlight the linear nature of the game and the lack of opportunities for exploration or alternate paths as contributing factors to its lack of replayability. The short length of the game is also frequently mentioned as a reason for the limited replay value. Critics like Gamestyle and NZGamer emphasize that the game's brevity, coupled with the absence of multiplayer or upgrade systems, leaves players with little reason to revisit the game. In conclusion, the majority of critics agree that The Order: 1886 lacks replay value. The uninteresting story, average gameplay, linear combat, and limited opportunities for exploration or alternate paths all contribute to this sentiment. While some critics acknowledge the engaging experience and the presence of collectibles, the overall consensus is that there is little reason to replay the game after completing it.

TL;DR

replay value

The Order: 1886 receives negative feedback from critics for its lack of replay value due to uninteresting story, average gameplay, and linear nature. While some praise its engaging experience and collectibles, most agree that the short length and absence of multiplayer or upgrades make it not worth replaying.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

66%

Negative (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Order: 1886 received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its impressive graphics and technical performance. Critics such as Game Over Online and GameTrailers highlighted the stunning visuals, excellent storytelling, and compelling characters. The game's art design and sound design were also commended by Game Over Online. Additionally, PlayStation Universe described the game as "excellent original fiction atop a competent video game." These positive aspects of The Order: 1886 contributed to its appeal and were appreciated by critics. However, the game also faced criticism for its shortcomings. Several critics, including Arcade Sushi and Polygon, mentioned that The Order: 1886 fell short in terms of gameplay and interactivity. The linear gameplay and reliance on quick-time events were seen as faults by Game Over Online. The lack of gameplay variety and replay value were also pointed out by Destructoid and NZGamer. DarkStation highlighted that the visually stunning game failed to deliver an engaging gameplay experience, resulting in a monotonous and disappointing overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Order: 1886 has its strengths in terms of graphics, storytelling, and world-building, but it falls short in terms of gameplay and interactivity. The game's impressive visuals and technical performance were widely appreciated, but its lack of innovation and gameplay variety hindered its potential. While some critics, such as Game Informer and ZTGD, expressed enjoyment and looked forward to a potential sequel, others, like Cheat Code Central and Polygon, were more critical and hesitant to recommend the game. The mixed reviews indicate that The Order: 1886 had its merits, but ultimately failed to deliver a truly exceptional and satisfying experience for many critics.

TL;DR

The Order: 1886 wowed critics with its stunning visuals and compelling storytelling, but fell short in gameplay and interactivity. While praised for its graphics and world-building, the game was criticized for its lack of innovation and replay value. Mixed reviews show appreciation for its strengths but disappointment in its overall execution.

CRITIK

Reviews

131 reviews found

COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Feb 19, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Order: 1886 is not perfect but sets a high bar in terms of presentation and story. It offers one of the best experiences on the PS4 to date.

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Game Over Online

PlayStation 4

Feb 19, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Order: 1886 is described as a very good game with excellent storytelling, compelling characters, stunning graphics and art design, and sublime sound design. The linear gameplay and reliance on quick-time events are mentioned as faults, but the overall experience is praised. The game is seen as setting the stage for a potential blockbuster franchise.

GameTrailers

PlayStation 4

Feb 19, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is a remarkable spectacle with limited scope and an abbreviated plot. It raises expectations for PlayStation 4 games but has some flaws. The overall score given in the review is 8.2.

ZTGD

PlayStation 4

Mar 2, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as a highly enjoyable experience, despite some rough edges and questionable game design. The reviewer looks forward to a sequel and considers The Order 1886 as a game they would play again and again.

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IGN Italia

PlayStation 4

Feb 19, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is highly praised for its graphics, seamless gameplay, and engaging story.

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NZGamer

PlayStation 4

Feb 23, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is visually stunning and has a unique setting, but falls short in terms of gameplay and replay value. The story is intriguing but leaves many unresolved plot points. It may appeal to a specific audience willing to invest in DLC and sequels.

Game Informer

PlayStation 4

Feb 19, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that The Order: 1886 is a fun adventure with lots of intriguing reveals about the nature of its world. It mentions that the game goes against the current tide of open-world wandering and emergent sequences and that it banks on the idea that players can enjoy a straightforward and relatively brief cinematic adventure if it's well told and original. The review expresses a desire to see what happens in the next game.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Feb 19, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Order: 1886 is a stunning action game that focuses on story and performance. It may divide gamers due to its short run time and lack of additional game modes.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Feb 19, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Order: 1886 is excellent original fiction atop a competent video game, but it may not be a system seller or the best game available on PS4.

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IGN Spain

PlayStation 4

Feb 21, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Order: 1886 is a visually impressive game with a well-crafted story, but the rushed ending and lack of replay value leave a bittersweet impression.

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